Normandy Academy

History’s Lessons, Tomorrow’s Leaders

North Kansas City Schools Education Foundation offers full scholarships for NKC juniors to attend the National WWII Museum’s Normandy Academy - an immersive learning and leadership experience that begins at the Museum in New Orleans and continues in Normandy, France, with visits to D Day beaches and a remembrance at the American Cemetery.

Key Dates

2025–2026 Cycle

The application for the 2026 Normandy Academy is now closed. Check back in October 2026 for the 2027 application cycle.

2026 Scholars

Congratulations to our 2026 North Kansas City Schools scholars:

This life-changing experience is made possible by the Jedel Family Foundation, Linda Holwick Bond (OPHS ’76), and other generous donors. Thank you for supporting our students and making this opportunity possible!

North Kansas City High School: Penelope Burke, Simon Johnson & Emory Nessa
Oak Park High School: Ty McKinnis & Claire Place
Staley High School: Ayse Sena Demir & Lucy Gum
Winnetonka High School: Fabian Gonzalez & Brogan Wilson

Penelope Burke

North Kansas City High School

Simon Johnson

North Kansas City High School

Emory Nessa

North Kansas City High School

Ty Mc Kinnis

Oak Park High School

Claire Place

Oak Park High School

Ayse Demir

Staley High School

Lucy Gum

Staley High School

Fabian Gonzalez

Winnetonka High School

Brogan Wilson

Winnetonka High School

At a Glance

Key Facts Card

Who Can Apply

Current NKC juniors at North Kansas City, Oak Park, Staley, or Winnetonka High Schools who completed U.S. History as sophomores and are currently enrolled in U.S. Government.

Travel Dates

Trip 1: June 24–July 5, 2026, Trip 2: June 30–July 12, 2026. Students will be asked their trip preference in the application.

Cost to Student

Scholarship covers program tuition, flights, most meals, and travel expenses. Optional 3 college credits (Nicholls State University) may be available for an additional fee paid by the student (historically about $875 and not covered by the scholarship).

Normandy Academy

What the Scholarship Covers

• Program tuition and curriculum delivered by the National WWII Museum.
• Airfare to/from New Orleans and France; in country transportation.
• Most meals and lodging in New Orleans, Bayeux (Normandy), and Paris.
• Entrance fees and guided access to historic sites and museums.

Not covered: Optional college credit fee (if offered), personal spending money, and any expedited passport or personal travel changes. Each selected student will receive a cash stipend for incidentals, passport expenses, etc.

Normandy Academy

How to Apply (Students)

Submit the online application (Microsoft Forms) using your NKC Schools device while logged into your NKC account. You’ll be asked to upload or provide:

Contact information (student + parent/guardian)
Current transcript
Current résumé (activities, honors, leadership, service, work, etc.)
Short essay (≤500 words): How will participation in the Normandy Academy enrich your future educational experiences—academically and from a leadership perspective?
Participation & Acknowledgment form (signed by student & parent/guardian)
One teacher recommendation (submitted separately by your teacher via the Teacher Rec Form)
Deadline for all items: 5:00 p.m. on November 21, 2025 (student application and teacher recommendation due the same day).

What to Expect on the Program

Students first convene in New Orleans for behind‑the‑scenes learning at the National WWII Museum (including exhibits and a 4D immersion experience). The cohort then travels to Normandy, visiting D‑Day landing beaches, museums, and historic sites; the experience culminates with student research and a tribute to a servicemember at the American Cemetery. Many logistics—airfare, ground transport, housing, and most meals—are organized by the Museum.

Good to know: The Museum shares practical guidance (e.g., communication during travel via the Band app and reasonable cash needs); details are provided to selected students and families before departure.

Selection & Next Steps

A selection committee reviews applications; interviews may be requested.
Finalists/recipients notified by mid-January, 2026.
NKC Foundation staff then helps recipients submit details to the Museum and finalize travel logistics.
Participants affirm their commitment to the program (barring emergencies) and must maintain eligibility; they may be invited to present their experience in NKC classrooms during the 2026–2027 school year.

Donor Recognition

This opportunity is made possible through the generosity of Oak Park alumnae Linda Holwick Bond ’76 and the late Michele Evenson Lindsay ’76, dedicated donors, and the Jedel Family Foundation. We are deeply grateful for the support that makes this life‑changing experience possible for NKC students.

Questions?

Education Foundation Office: (816) 321 5550 · This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Past Scholars

This life-changing experience is made possible by the Jedel Family Foundation, Linda Holwick Bond (OPHS ’76), and other generous donors. Thank you for supporting our students and making this opportunity possible!